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The Kansara Community: A Glimpse into India's Ancient Heritage  

The Kansara community is one of India's ancient groups, believed to have started crafting bronze utensils under the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma in mythological times. According to the Kalika Purana, a legend speaks of Shri Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi giving birth to a fortunate individual named Ekvir. Adopted by a king, he became known as Kritavirya, and later, Kartavirya. Blessed by Guru Dattatreya, Kartavirya grew 1000 arms and was famously called Sahasrarjuna.  

He established a settlement along the banks of the Narmada River and ruled for thousands of years. Kartavirya married the daughter of Sage Jamadagni, and they had four sons: Jayant, Vijay, Vanmali, and Jayadrath. These four brothers were skilled craftsmen, blending art and creativity to create unique items. Among their creations was the mythological bronze mirror (Aranmula Kannadi), which was offered to Lord Shiva. This mirror became a cultural symbol, and legends say Lord Shiva was pleased with it and blessed the Kansara trade.  

Under the guidance of Lord Vishwakarma, the creator of grand cities like Hastinapur, Lanka, and Dwarka, the craft of making bronze utensils flourished. South India, particularly Kanchipuram, became a hub of this trade. However, due to conflicts, only Jayadrath survived among the brothers. He was renamed Dharmapal by sages and carried forward the bronze trade, marrying brides from 35 states across India. This marked the beginning of a revolution in the Kansara trade, spreading throughout the nation over centuries.  

Over time, as geographical and cultural shifts occurred, the Kansara community began to be recognized by various names in different regions:  

1. Kansara – Found in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where some families, including ours, still craft bronze, copper, and brass utensils.  
2. Tambat or Tamrakar – Based in Maharashtra, known for copper utensil making.  
3. Thathera Art – In Punjab, the craft of making brass utensils has earned UNESCO recognition. This art form, originally part of the Kansara community's heritage, is now celebrated globally.  
4. Kasera – Based in Uttar Pradesh.  
5. Kansari or Karmakar – Found in West Bengal.  
6. Kasar – Residing in Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha regions.  
7. Kammalar (Kannar) – Based in Tamil Nadu, known for making brass lamps and idols.  
8. Boggar – Likely engaged in sculpting or mold casting in South India.  

The history of Kansaras and their craft reflects India’s rich natural and cultural heritage. In our next blog, we will explore why our ancestors preferred eating from bronze utensils and the benefits associated with them.